Page 97 of Nearly Dead

We cling to each other.For those seconds, I’m not broken.I’m not magic.I’m not a Devine.I’m justhis.

Then, slowly, the cold clarity returns, though not quite as absolute as before.

“Did that help?”Costin asks as we lie tangled naked together on the floor, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin as scraps of silk surround us.

“A little,” I admit, resting my head on his chest.“It’s like waking up briefly from a dream, only to slip back under.”

“We’ll find a way,” he promises, pressing his lips to my forehead.“Whatever’s happening to you, we’ll figure it out together.”

I want to believe him.Part of me still does.But the growing power inside me whispers that some battles can only be fought alone.

“The full moon rises tomorrow night,” Sully says, his massive frame making Costin’s living room furniture look oddly undersized.“Your first transformation will be intense, but the pack will be at our strongest.”

Already?I look at the window.How long have we been in hiding?The days all blend together.

Anthony snorts from his position by the window.“Understatement of the century.”

We’ve gathered for what can only be described as a war council.Astrid sits primly on a leather armchair, looking as composed as ever despite the events of the past.My father stands behind her, his hand resting on the back of her chair.Even now, he looms like a man still playing the part of devoted father and husband.In my cold assessment of him, I see the truth.I find him pathetic and weak.He traded our safety for his pride long ago.All he cares about is his own narcissistic vices.Why is he even here?

Anthony keeps watch by the window, though what threat he expects to spot from thirty stories up is beyond me.My brother succeeded in getting Paul to safety before Elizabeth grabbed him.At least one thing went right, even if I don’t feel the relief I should.

Costin leans against the wall nearest me, giving me space while staying close.

And then there’s Sully, Alpha of the werewolves, who arrived an hour ago.

“I need to know if you can control it,” Sully continues, his golden eyes fixed on me.“A hybrid’s first full moon is uncharted territory.If you lose control in the middle of battle...”

“I won’t,” I say with a confidence I don’t entirely feel.The cold logic inside me calculates the odds of maintaining control during my first transformation.It’s not favorable, but not impossible either.

“You can’t know that,” Astrid interjects.Her voice is gentle but firm.“No one can.Which is why I suggest we delay confronting Elizabeth until after the full moon has passed.”

“We may not have that luxury,” Costin counters.“Elizabeth won’t wait.She’s gathering allies, consolidating power.The longer we wait, the stronger she becomes.”

“And the stronger I become,” I point out.All eyes turn to me.“Every day, my abilities grow.By the full moon, I may be strong enough to face Elizabeth regardless of the transformation.”

“Or you might be completely out of control,” my father says, speaking for the first time.“A liability rather than an asset.”

The old me would have been hurt by his assessment.

“There’s another factor to consider,” Astrid says.“Mortimer.He’s had contingency plans within contingency plans for years.He won’t have allied himself with Elizabeth without some guarantee of protection.”

“Speaking of Mortimer,” Anthony pushes away from the window, “what exactly is his angle in all this?Elizabeth wants power, that’s clear enough.But Uncle Morty?What does he get out of backing her play?He never gave any indication he wanted to take over the Devine empire.Actually, quite the opposite.That whole thing with Tamara marrying Chester Freemont was to ensure the bloodline and create heirs to our line.It seems like he wants anything but to be in charge.”

“Survival.He likes the power without the spotlight,” I answer before anyone else can.“I think he fancies himself the true power behind the throne.”

My father doesn’t meet my direct gaze.

“And to punish those who exposed him,” Astrid agrees, her eyes meeting mine.“Particularly me.”

The thought of Mortimer harming Astrid sends a ripple of emotion through my cold detachment.The flash of protective rage feels refreshingly human.I cling to it, trying to fan it into a stronger flame.

“Yes, and revenge,” I say.“Astrid humiliated him, and then the council stripped him of his position.He needs Elizabeth to regain what he’s lost.”

“Mortimer won’t be a threat.I can talk to him,” my father says.

Astrid arches a brow at him.“The time for talk is over.”

“So we have a power-hungry vampire queen, a vengeful magic, the full moon, and a hybrid who’s evolving in unpredictable ways,” Sully summarizes.“Sounds like a typical Tuesday night in the supernatural world.”

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